Even though fluoride is very important for dental health, excesses can cause damage under certain circumstances. In particular, when children between the ages of 1 and 4 are exposed to too much fluoride, it can cause spotting and pitting of the enamel surface. Unfortunately, this condition may not be noticeable until permanent teeth begin erupting. It is still very important to take your child to a Kirby dentist in order to make sure that you can reduce the risk of this condition developing. At the same time, if you are older and have flurosis, you can obtain treatment for you condition.
Typically, children wind up getting too much fluoride when they drink from natural water supplies that have naturally high levels of fluoride. If you are not aware of the fluoride content of a well or spring, it will be best to have your water tested. This condition can also develop if your son or daughter has a habit of swallowing toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fortunately, your dentist can teach you how to manage these issues when you bring your child to routine dental exams.
Once natural teeth come in, it is possible to remove the external signs of flurosis. In mild cases, this can be accomplished by bleaching the teeth in order to create a uniform colour. Typically, your dentist will make use of air abrasion in order to reduce pitting and other imperfections caused by excess fluoride during childhood. Depending on the situation, you may also need to have veneers installed.
There is no question that flurosis is an unsightly condition. Even if you have perfect oral hygiene, brown and white stains can make your teeth look awful. Regardless of whether or not you are planning to have a smile makeover, you should include getting treatment for flurosis.